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The Dedication and Honored Group; (L to R) Council District 1 Representative Joe LaCava, WSC President Bill Fitzmaurice. Mayors Office Community Rep. Matt Griffith. FOW Louis Beacham, George Taylor, Hanz Newman. Congressman Scott Peters, FOW, Melinda Merryweather and La Jolla Historical Society, Seonaid McArthur.

On March 20, 2022, two major gatherings happened at WindanSea Beach in La Jolla, California joined into one.

The Shack, Historical Landmark. (Ashley Mackin)

The first, was an proclamation of the famous WindanSea Shack, that not only became a historical landmark about 25 years ago, but also on March 20th became, WindanSea Surfer Shack Day in San Diego. It is the only Surfer Shack in the World that has this honor.

The HISTORICAL; a proclamation by the city of San Diego honored the people who built the shack and those that helped maintain it.

From that day on March 20th will be known as WindanSea Surf Shack day in the city of San Diego.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Windansea and La Jolla Historical Society. Congressman Scott Peters attended along with Representatives from the Mayor’s office, Matt Griffith and City Council m3ember, Joe LaCava.

Woody Ekstom when he was about 16yo at the LJ Cove

Then the ceremony flowed into the spiritual Paddleout of one of the forefathers, legend, and pioneers of Surfing, Woody Ekstrom.

Those that knew Woody, know he was one of the most likeable, honest, sincere, and friendliest man you would have ever meet.

A Native American (Apache) ritual ceremony was held, blessing the soul as it passes into a spiritual life.

Attending the gathering were several hundred where WindanSea was a major part of their lives and to give honor to the one of the iconic symbols of Surfing, The WindanSea Shack and to pay their last respects to Woody.

It was truly spiritual, uplifting, sad and a magical time where the past has flowed into the present and then into the future. There was a bit of everything, from tears, to reacquainting old friends to that of laughter, tales of the past, and honor. It will be one of those memories that will always be a part of the soul and heart.

Both events got a lot of attention from local media. A band playing Surf music, played throughout the event and after the paddle out the grill was set up and attendees enjoyed street tacos.

It was almost like a blessing where a rainbow started off the day, and weather (a bit windy and nippy) kept the lookie-lous away.

 

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  1. terre edwards

    what a wonderful sendoff
    for Woody. so many
    loving friends. i didn’t
    know Woody well, but i
    remember seeing Woody,
    Carl and Ann at the Ranch
    every Friday night, a long
    with so many other locals.
    love to all,
    terre edwards (Marnie’s mom)